WHAT IS SWINE FLU?
“Swine flu” or swine influenza, now termed Influenza A(H1N1), is a communicable acute respiratory disease of pigs. The virus causes infection in large numbers and low death rates (1-4%) in pigs.
Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, allowing the genes to mix resulting to a hybridized influenza microbe termed "reassortant" virus.
The virus is spread through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, with asymptomatic carrier pigs. It may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months in temperate areas. It is endemic in the United States, and outbreaks have been reported in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and parts of Eastern Asia. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine flu.
Because of mutations and genetic reassortment, a “variant” or a virus subtype has emerged. The virus was described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. Currently, swine flu or influenza A (H1N1) has spread to humans, primarily resulting from human-to human transmission.
HOW CAN HUMANS GET INFECTED?
Similar to the seasonal human influenza, it could be transmitted by sneezing or coughing by infected persons. Some people could develop the disease by touching something with flu viruses and then touching their mouth or nose.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION?
Generally, clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza, which include fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, body aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Reported clinical presentation, however, ranges broadly from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia resulting to death.
WHAT DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT?
For the treatment, there are four antiviral drugs licensed for use: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir. Recent swine flu viruses isolated from humans are, however, resistant to both amantadine and rimantadine. Thus, either oseltamivir or zanamivir for 5 days is recommended to treat swine flu infection.
For chemoprophylaxis, either oseltamivir or zanamivir can be used, to be taken for 10 days after the last known exposure to a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR SWINE FLU?
At present, no swine flu vaccine for humans is available, although work is already underway to develop such a vaccine, through the collaborative work of the WHO, CDC, vaccine manufacturers and their regulatory agencies. Although continuing immunization is quite important, the seasonal human flu vaccine would not provide protection against A(H1N1) virus.
IS IT SAFE TO EAT PORK AND PORK PRODUCTS?
There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to a temperature of at least 70oC kills the swine flu virus.
IS THERE ANY CONFIRMATION OF TRANSMISSION BETWEEN PIGS AND HUMANS AT THIS POINT?
No.
WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED SO FAR?
Cases have been reported in different countries worldwide. As of May 5, 2009, based on the latest WHO and CDC data, 21 countries have officially reported a total of 1490 cases of influenza A(H1N1)
infection. Mexico has reported 822 laboratory confirmed human cases, with 29 deaths. The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases in 38 states, majority of which are in New York (90), with 1 death seen in Texas.
Other countries include: Austria (1) Canada (140), Hongkong, China (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (9), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (57), Switzerland (1), and the United
Kingdom (27); with no deaths.
ARE WE NOW IN A PANDEMIC SITUATION?
At present, the WHO has raised the level of pandemic alert to Phase 5, characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned
mitigation measures is short.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
With the current alert level (phase 5), it is advised that all countries immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.
The change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other departments, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency, and at an accelerated pace.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO PREVENT ILLNESS?
Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Practice good health habits.
a. Get plenty of sleep
b. Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of fluids
c. Be physically active
d. Manage your stress
The usual, routine precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases are recommended:
a. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water as often as possible, especially after coughing or sneezing. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based handrub may be used.
b. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief every time you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose and dispose of the used tissues properly. If tissue is not available, cover with your
hands and wash them immediately, or you may also cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve of your shirt.
c. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
d. Do not spit on roads, floors, or walls.
e. Avoid close contact (like kissing, shaking hands) with sick people or those who appear unwell and have fever and cough. Stay home when you are sick and keep your distance from others to keep them from getting sick, too.
f. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms.
Proper Handwashing:
Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice, using the
technique shown below.
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